The Rotherhithe peninsular is in desperate need of an improved police presence and it’s worrying that the proposed police hub is up in the air.
Considering the area is facing a triumvirate of increasing crime, residents and commuters, is this really the time to scrap long-held plans for more police in the area?
Data gathered in 2017 forecasted that Surrey Docks would have the third-greatest population increase of any Southwark ward by 2026.
The combined population of Surrey Docks and Rotherhithe is already roughly 27,000. Add the families moving into some of the 3,000 homes being built on the Canada Water Masterplan and we could be looking at a 75 per cent increase.
Simultaneously, Southwark’s northern wards have seen a spike in crime, prompting speculation that Rotherhithe could be made the highest priority crime area possible – putting it on a par with London Bridge. The Met Police is yet to confirm this.
The growing anti-social behaviour problem has been evidenced in the Met Police’s published data. There was also the recent revelation that Southwark is London’s third-worst phone-snatching hotspot. People often report that this is particularly bad outside Canada Water station.
Then there is the Surrey Quays station revamp which, when completed in 2026, will make the station an even busier transport hub.
With the Met being involved in countless scandals, both the Commisioner Mark Rowley and Mayor Sadiq Khan have emphasised the importance of improving police trust.
The taxpayer is the one bankrolling the Met’s overhaul. Last winter, City Hall announced it would take 10 per cent more cash from council tax-payers every year, equivalent to £40 more a year per household. £15 of that is going towards policing, raising roughly £55 million.
Many people will be happy to take the hit to their personal finances if it means a more effective, trustworthy police force. But a big part of building trust is arguably having more police officers visible on our streets. The loss of a police hub will only hinder that healing process.
Making the Canada Water area a hub of local services is meant to be an important part of British Land’s vision for the area. There are talks of school expansions and a new health facility. No police hub could be a gaping hole in that vision. The Met Police and British Land must work together to make sure it goes ahead.
